Emmanuel Sanders

WR SMU

Grade

4.41 SEC

39.5 INCH

126.0 INCH

6.60 SEC

4.10 SEC

Overview

While Sanders is a slightly undersized receiver, he is certainly not timid when it comes to going over the middle and will compete for the ball. Unfortunately, his lack of size and strength makes it difficult for him to win many of those battles. He shows excellent acceleration off the line and can stretch the secondary down the seam with his vertical speed. He is confident in his hands and will reach out to pluck the ball. However, he also will drop some when he tries to make a move before securing the catch. He needs work on setting defenders up and can be a bit sloppy in his routes, but there is no reason to think he can't improve in that area. He probably fits the No. 3 or 4 receiver description more than a No. 1 or 2, but he should be able to contribute early on as a return specialist.

Analysis

Strengths

Sanders has an explosive first step and very good top-end speed to stretch the field. Drops his hips well and has the lateral agility to make plays in space after the catch. Fluid athlete who flashes big-play ability in the return game. Gutsy kid who will go across the middle and does not take plays off.

Weaknesses

Sanders is on the short side with less-than-adequate bulk. Struggles to beat the press off the line and hold onto passes in traffic. Will not out-muscle defensive backs for jump balls and is not a red-zone target. Rounds off his routes too often and does not show the ability to use head fakes to gain separation.